Question for BIG CALVED women...

sevsmom

My calves are thick and even losing weight didn't help. Being a runner now, I appreciate the strength. But, having an image in my mind of the "ultimate" look I'd love....my calves clearly don't fit that bill. I've battled this thought for a long time and at age 42 I've finally decided to love 'em the way they are. OK...."love" is a bit much...but I choose not to obsess over what I can not (clearly) change.

usmcmp

Mine lost a little. They're now 19 inches. With some weight training they look nicer and they go along great with my thick thighs.

As to the whole issue with buying knee high boots, but if you go up half a size and wear thick socks your calves will fit without your feet sliding in the boots.

NikkiRaeLucas

So glad to hear I am not alone! I have always had large calves and hoped they'd shrink down but seems they aren't. I am learning to deal with them but struggle to find nice boots that fit! and can't do the skinny jeans!

shankasaurus

I buy leggings or stretchy skinny jeans, or jeggings and I pair them with ankle boots or the ones that are just slightly higher. I think 'skinny' jeans look great on all body types, anyone can pull anything off, you just have to have confidence in yourself.

My favorite boots have a side zipper but they lace up the front with a nod to the combat boots from the 90s. The laces allow me to control the fit a lot better. I bought them at torrid and they are a wide width and I put an insole in them and I wear them ALL THE TIME!

Tla0126

Well - I'm in the "accept what you've got" camp... I've always had big muscular calves...

I've lost 45 lbs in the last year by eating better and working out (lots of running) and I think my calves are the exact same size, if not bigger.

My personal trainer just said it's genetics and if they are muscular, it is what it is!

Guess we'll see when I get to goal!

It's a PITA to buy boots (

MyChocolateDiet

Lane Bryant sells boots for big calves. That's all the knowledge I have on this subject.

TehLaughingDog

Personally I think big calves are more attractive than small calves. Looks more athletic and gives women a more shapely look than thin calves. But then again I'm a big calved woman even when I was much skinnier haha.

yungibear

The best thing about big calves is that they make your ankles look tiny! I think curvy legs are awesome and we should all wear shorts this summer.

I think sometimes we get down on ourselves about things we cannot control and this is one of those. We can all be healthier but our legs will always be the type to have big calves. Either we embrace it or we fight against it.

Love the body you've got ladies!

*Yes to cycling! Yes to seeing it as a positive thing! Strong legs are for dancing and running and taking our bodies from point A to point B.*

I love this! It helps reframe my feelings surrounding my calves. I am quite proud of having small ankles, so I just have to work it! P:

_Waffle_

Just buy boot cut jeans or bell bottoms. Success!

spirit095

I haven't taken measurements, but I have big calves in comparison to my height. They've gotten a bit smaller from exercise, so it isn't impossible to lose some in that area. I know this is the because of the way my pants and boots fit me now. I think genetics plays a lot into it, though.

usmcmp

Just buy boot cut jeans or bell bottoms. Success!

This or leggings.

For knee high boots buy them half a size bigger and wear thick socks.

arabianhorselover

Interesting. My calves have never really been noticeable. They are at 14 inches now. I have been exercising them to try to increase them a little.

spicegeek

I love my sexy muscly calves - I work hard to keep them while losing weight !

Itlngrl

The struggle is real when you have BIG calves! Mine were somewhere over 20 inches. Now, with 75 pounds gone - they are about 17.25. I bought my first pair of REAL leather boots (not the Faux ones from Lane Bryant or Torrid) this past fall. Seriously, it was one of the happiest days of my life!

Rozydreams

I'm in regular stores for clothes but back to plus size if I want a pair of boots I'm just glad more stores are making wide calf boots. After 85lbs lost only about an inch off each calve..... I like the ankles look smaller comment!!! lol

whitebalance

I grew up on a mountain and walked to and from school every day...I will probably never have thin calves or a flat butt... When I was a very thin 105# size 2, I had a terrible time finding pants that were small enough for my waist but would fit over my calves and butt. Back then I hated my butt with a passion, but it never ever occurred to me that big curvy calves were anything but all the to-die-for sexay. Boot cut jeans FTW.

jessiort1z

loving all the replies I received from this post. I realize I will never ever get those nice thin calves, but I am just finding it so hard to feel comfortable in a pair of shorts or lighter colored pants. OOH the struggle!

ninerbuff

Calves are mostly genetic, but it's not uncommon for very overweight/obese people to have large calves due to carry around all the extra weight for years. The calves just grew due to progressive resistance.
Many can "lean" them out with fat loss, but the muscle won't really reduce much. Learn to love them if you have them.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

chrisdavey

Do you ladies who have larger calves tend to wear heals a lot by any chance?

NikkiRaeLucas

Do you ladies who have larger calves tend to wear heals a lot by any chance?

Being a larger gal I do like to wear heels and have wondered if that is not part of the issue with the calf muscles.... but I do also come from large legged women so I think genetics play a big part.